Five ways grassroots football clubs can cut energy costs

Across England, grassroots football clubs bring communities together week after week.

Volunteers keep facilities running, parents cheer from the sidelines and players of all ages enjoy the game they love.

But behind every matchday is a clubhouse, changing room or training space facing rising running costs, with energy bills often among the biggest pressures.

That’s why taking small, affordable steps to manage energy usage can make a real difference.

These quick wins don’t require major renovations or large budgets, but they can help clubs cut waste, lower costs and reinvest savings where they belong, into football.

Through our partnership with England Football’s Greener Game programme, we’re already providing:

• Free support and advice to help clubs reduce their energy costs
• Free energy support packs including helpful tips and plug-in devices
• Free on-site energy audits, reports and recommendations to eligible clubs

Based on the findings from these audits, here are five practical improvements grassroots clubs could make to boost efficiency and keep more money in the game:

1. Request a free smart meter

Clubs should consider upgrading to smart meters (such as those offered by E.ON Next) to better understand the energy they’re using and improve energy management, and can request this from their energy supplier.

2. Check the current tariff or energy contract you are on

Energy prices change more often than most people realise, and a quick check today could mean lower bills tomorrow.

Taking a few minutes to review current rates and compare options could help clubs save money and avoid being rolled onto a higher standard tariff.

E.ON Next has an offer for grassroots clubs. To find out more about the E.ON Next Small Business Tariff offering a credit to FA grassroots football teams,click here.  

3. Switch to LED Lighting

Lighting is one of the simplest and most effective areas to tackle.

Traditional bulbs waste up to 90% of their energy as heat, meaning clubs could be spending far more than necessary just to keep facilities lit.

LED lighting changes that. By switching to LEDs and adding smart lighting controls, clubs can benefit from:

• Up to 90% energy savings
• Longer-lasting, safer lighting
• Reduced maintenance and replacement costs
• The option to automate emergency lighting and remove manual checks

Smart sensors ensure lights are only on when needed, automatically dimming or brightening based on occupancy or daylight levels.

4. Use energy timers to shift when power is needed

Many clubs operate at regular times: evenings, weekends and matchdays.

That means equipment doesn’t need to run around the clock.

Installing energy timers ensures heating, floodlights, immersion heaters, and appliances are only powered when required.

When paired with off-peak electricity tariffs, timers can help clubs:

• Shift energy use to lower-cost periods
• Avoid unnecessary daytime electricity consumption
• Schedule high-use equipment, like dishwashers or water heaters, outside peak hours

For clubs with smart meters, timers become even more powerful, helping volunteers automate usage and benefit from cheaper overnight rates where suitable.

5. Install loft and pipe insulation

A quarter of a building’s heat can be lost through a poorly insulated roof.

For clubs with older facilities, poor or ageing insulation is often a hidden cost driving bills higher than they need to be.

Upgrading loft insulation can:

• Lower carbon emissions
• Keep changing rooms warmer
• Reduce the risk of damp
• Be installed in just a few hours
• Potentially be funded, or part funded, through support for eligible community buildings

Similarly, uninsulated or poorly insulated pipes force heating systems to work harder, increasing energy bills and wasting valuable heat.

Adding or upgrading pipe insulation is low-cost and quick to install, and is a simple way to reduce strain on boilers to help extend their lifespan. For many clubs, this small change can lead to noticeably lower heating costs, especially in colder months.

Every small step makes a difference

Grassroots clubs are the backbone of local communities, and managing rising energy bills shouldn’t take away from the vital role they play.

These five simple improvements, from LED lighting to insulation and smart controls, offer immediate and practical ways to lower costs, reduce carbon emissions and create better environments for players and supporters.

To find out more about the Greener Game partnership between The FA and E.ON Next, click here.